Podcast
Parenting Today's Teens
Hosted by Mark Gregston · EN
The Parenting Today's Teens Podcast is a daily resource for parents raising teenagers. Hosted by Mark Gregston, a renowned parenting expert with over 45 years of experience, this podcast provides practical, expert advice for navigating the challenges of parenting teens. Whether you're struggling with defiance, emotional issues, or just want to understand your teen better, Mark’s guidance is raw, real, and always hopeful.
Some episodes are co-hosted by Courtney LaFleur, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and on-staff counselor at Heartlight, adding professional counseling insights to the conversation. Together, Mark and Courtney provide expert tips and real-life solutions to help you build stronger relationships with your teen and navigate the complexities of today’s adolescent culture.
If you’re looking for guidance on how to connect with your teen, improve family dynamics, and raise a confident, well-adjusted teen, this podcast is for you.
For more parenting tools and expert advice, visit www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.
122episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Teen Stories: Trying to Fit In
Jun 1600:20:09Tap to summarizeTeens can go to extremes when trying to break free from loneliness, pain or feeling invisible. In this episode, we share interviews with two Heartlight teens who open up about what really drove their risky choices. From cheating and sneaking out to chasing acceptance in all the wrong places, both guests share how family struggles and emotional isolation left them aching for connection. You’ll hear how their journeys through depression, rebellion and damaged family ties led to some tough realizations — and how Heartlight helped them rebuild self-worth and find their place in the world.For more information on the Heartlight program, visit heartlightministries.org today!
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The Conversation Parents Can’t Avoid
Jun 1500:28:46Tap to summarizeIf parents don’t talk to their teens about sex, someone else will. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss how parents can create healthy, ongoing conversations about sex, relationships, boundaries and God’s design for intimacy. Rather than one awkward “talk,” they encourage parents to build an atmosphere where questions, honesty and guidance are welcomed without fear or shame. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of unhealthy relationships, substance use, and the search for love and acceptance. Don’t miss practical wisdom on helping your teen navigate today’s confusing sexual culture.Some things your teen does may catch you off guard. Here’s how to be prepared: bit.ly/finding-out-about-your-teens-inappropriate-behavior
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I Mustache Mark a Question: Phones, Friendships and Finding Trust with Your Teen
Jun 1200:33:33Tap to summarizeIn this week's Q&A episode, Mark explores how to gradually transfer control to teens as they get older while maintaining healthy boundaries and connection. He answers listener questions on issues ranging from vaping, video game addiction and bullying to handling emotional struggles and technology boundaries. With an emphasis on relationship over control, Mark offers practical strategies for parents to respond with grace, foster honesty and prepare their teens for the challenges ahead.Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On1. If you’re raising a non-biological teen, do you or your child represent a sense of loss to each other?2. How do you approach tough conversations when you’re scared — and is it setting up success for both of you?Have a question for the show? Send it in! Go to markgregston.com to submit your questions.
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Correcting Common Communication Mistakes With Your Teen
Jun 1100:26:50Tap to summarizeDo your teens feel heard … or just managed, corrected and talked at? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why listening is one of the most important skills parents can develop during the teen years. They discuss common communication mistakes, how judgment and constant correction shut teens down and practical ways to create safer, deeper conversations at home. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of rebellion, running away, family conflict and how learning to communicate honestly helped restore her relationship with her parents. Tune in today!Learn to identify the pain that may be driving your teen’s behavior here: bit.ly/dealing-with-hurt-behind-the-behavior
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The Parenting Skill That Changes Everything
Jun 1000:11:03Tap to summarizeWhat if one simple change could transform the relationships inside your home? In this episode, Mark shares why listening may be one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — tools in parenting. In a world filled with interruptions, quick opinions and constant noise, many teens simply want someone who will slow down long enough to truly hear them. Mark unpacks common habits that damage communication, from interrupting and correcting to always trying to fix every problem. Listen in for practical encouragement on creating deeper conversations, stronger connection and a home where your teen feels genuinely heard.Listening to your teen is great, but what if they don’t want to talk? Find six ways to get your child to open up at bit.ly/why-your-teen-wont-talk
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Teen Stories: Turning Rock Bottom into a Turning Point
Jun 900:23:04Tap to summarizeWhen teens spiral into destructive behaviors, it's rarely just about "bad choices." There's usually deep pain pushing them there. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share how they hit their lowest points with addiction, self-harm and rebellion. Both guests get real about what it’s like to hit rock bottom and realize you can’t do it alone. Listen in as they share how confronting the truth about themselves — and letting others in — became the first steps toward change, forgiveness and hope.Interested in learning more about the Heartlight program? Go to heartlightministries.org today!
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The Hidden Damage of Social Media Drama
Jun 800:27:57Tap to summarizeWhat happens when social media turns everyday teenage drama into nonstop emotional pressure? In this episode, Mark, Wayne Shepherd and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss the emotional toll of mean girls, online bullying, gossip, exclusion and comparison culture. You’ll hear practical insight on helping daughters navigate insecurity, friendship struggles and the pressure to fit in — while creating a home that feels safe, affirming and supportive. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of addiction, self-hatred, healing and learning to see hope for her future again. Tune in for an honest conversation about helping teens face social pressure without losing themselves in the process.It’s hard enough for kids during the awkward teen years, but what if your child struggles socially more than typical peers? Find help here: bit.ly/raising-socially-awkward-teens
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I Mustache Mark a Question: Boundaries, Loss and Letting Go
Jun 500:28:59Tap to summarizeOn today’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles a variety of real issues families face with teens, including anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship struggles and the pitfalls of entitlement. We'll discuss healthy ways to set boundaries with older teens, how to handle issues of entitlement and responsibility, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships as your teens grow into adulthood. Remember — lasting change starts with connection, not control.Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On1. Are you a place of calm or of more anxiety for your teen?2. What would really happen if you let your teen fail now and then?3. Where can you shift responsibility so your teen becomes more empowered and less dependent?Send in your parenting questions at markgregston.com.
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What’s Standing Between You and Your Teen?
Jun 400:26:36Tap to summarizeWhy do some parent-teen relationships slowly drift apart — even when both sides still care deeply? In this episode, Mark and Wayne unpack some of the biggest barriers that can damage connection with teens, including misunderstanding, overly strict rules, constant correction, unrealistic expectations and discipline without relationship. You’ll also hear Andrew’s story of anger, isolation, drug use and how finally understanding his father’s perspective began restoring their relationship. If you’ve felt stuck, frustrated or unsure how to reconnect, this conversation is for you.Arguments with your teen are rarely as simple as they seem on the surface. Find five truths behind arguing with a teen and practical advice on how to successfully engage in conflict at bit.ly/five-truths-behind-arguing-with-a-teen
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Why Teens Need Someone Who Will Listen
Jun 300:22:24Tap to summarizeCould one simple parenting skill completely change your relationship with your teen? In this episode, Mark shares why listening may be the most powerful way to connect with today’s adolescents. In a culture full of noise, opinions and constant reactions, many teens feel unheard — even in their own homes. Mark offers practical wisdom on how to listen without interrupting, correcting or rushing to fix everything. He also explains why understanding your teen’s heart matters more than winning an argument. Don’t miss this vital episode.While listening to your teen is extremely important, what do you do when you don’t like what you hear? Find out here: bit.ly/when-you-hear-things-from-your-teen-that-shock-you
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